Ubumwe Centre

Education Centre for Children who are Deaf and Adults with Disabilities- Rwanda

The Ubumwe Centre, located in Gisenyi, on Lake Kivu, on the western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a centre where adults with disabilities and their children are given an alternative to living on the streets and where they can be educated, learn skills, work and ultimately take control of their lives. The Centre serves more than 130 children and adults with counselling, primary education, vocational training and workshop employment. The Centre also provides a mid-day meal for all participants. The Centre teaches sign language to the hearing impaired and recently opened a preschool for children 3 – 6 years old. Due to demand, the Centre has expanded to serve members of the non-disabled community, offering computer and literacy classes. Founding Story: The Centre was founded on a friendship that was forged following the genocide between Frederic, a man mutilated during the genocide and Zachary, whose family had been killed. The two men met in an orphanage and chose to move beyond the anger and hate they experienced towards forgiveness and to reach out to others who had suffered like themselves. Over the years the Centre’s activities shifted to meet the needs of all people with disabilities in their community.

Live in the heart of Africa! Discover the complexity and beauty of the small country of Rwanda, a country often portrayed only by its recent troubled history. You will teach alongside trained Rwandan staff in an elementary school or a school for children who are deaf in the Northern town of Musanze, or work alongside Rwandans in a center for adults with disabilities in the Western city of Gisenyi. Share in the vibrant life of a Rwandan family! Three month placements available.